Lecture Notes: Natural Rights and the Declaration of Independence, John Locke

Introduction

Fifty Years After the Declaration:
- Thomas Jefferson's explanation to Henry Lee about the Declaration of Independence.
- Emphasized common sense and the expression of the American mind.

Purpose and Appeal:
- Justification for the colonies' decision to separate from British rule.
- An appeal to the world, similar to historical documents limiting the power of monarchy (e.g., Magna Carta).
- Different in recognizing people as sovereign and addressing mankind.

Natural Rights Theory:
- Locke’s "Two Treatises of Civil Government" (1689) introduced the concept of natural rights starting from the state of nature.
- Equal rights and the necessity of consent for government.
- Exchange of natural rights for civil rights under constitutional government for security.
Social Contract:
- Concept of laws of nature, equality, and consent to rule.
- Reference to laws of nature and nature’s God, suggesting harmony between divine and human rights.

Locke’s Influence:
- Advocated for the absence of government persecution based on religion.
- His time was marked by religious conflicts and persecutions.
Historical Context:
- European religious intolerance and its impact on colonists to America.
- Locke's "A Letter Concerning Toleration" argued against government-compelled belief or worship.

U.S. Constitution and Religious Freedom:
- Emergence of Lockean ideas in the formation of the United States government.
- Disestablishment of official churches and protection of religious freedom under the U.S. Constitution and First Amendment.
- Principle of equal conscience and freedom for all religious practices.
George Washington’s Letter:
- Emphasized government’s non-tolerance of bigotry and persecution, ensuring equal rights for all citizens.

Locke as Founding Philosopher:
- Locke’s philosophies influenced American doctrines of equality and religious freedom.
- His ideas are foundational to American political thought and rights tradition.